Frommer's Review
The first 3.5 miles of this trail are described in the Cascade Falls Trail listing earlier. Past the falls, the trail continues following the North Inlet along a fairly gentle incline for about another 3 miles. Then you climb along several short switchbacks, eventually reaching the junction with Lake Nanita Trail. For Flattop, take the left fork up the switchbacks along the north side of Hallett Creek, watching for -- or at least listening to -- the water as it cascades down the steep incline. The trail levels out a bit after the switchbacks, heading through a lovely subalpine forest and crossing Hallett Creek before ascending the steep walls on the western flank of Taylor, Otis, and Hallett peaks. The wildflower displays along the rest of the trail are some of the best in the park, particularly in July and August. As the path smoothes out again, tall rock cairns lead you over the tundra to the summit of Flattop. From here, you can turn right and hike down to Bear Lake, turn left and take the Tonahutu Trail back to Grand Lake , or turn around and follow this trail back. The beginning elevation is 8,544 feet, and there is an elevation gain of 3,784 feet.
The spur to Lakes Nokoni and Nanita heads south from the above trail about 7.5 miles from the trail head. It crosses the North Inlet Gorge at North Inlet Falls and then leaves the waterway to head up the northeast side of Ptarmigan Mountain. Openings in the dense forest allow views into the North Inlet valley and Lake Solitude to the southeast. When you reach the bedrock at the tree line, it's not far to Lake Nokoni, which lies in a glacier-created basin 9.9 miles from the trail head. Follow the trail another 1.1 miles through the subalpine forest to Lake Nanita, a much prettier lake than Nokoni, with Andrews Peak rising majestically on its far side. On calm days, the mountain's reflections in the lake are sublime. There is an elevation gain of 2,240 feet as you travel the 11 miles from the trail head.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without
notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before
planning your trip.
